Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Time - Cloud-based time tracking software with GPS location, mobile clock-in/out, scheduling, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling and time clock app featuring shift trades, GPS time tracking, and payroll integrations for hourly workers.
- 3#3: Deputy - Workforce management platform with time clock kiosk, facial recognition, geofencing, and labor cost forecasting tools.
- 4#4: Homebase - Free time clock and scheduling software for small businesses with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication features.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app with time clock, GPS verification, scheduling, and task management for frontline teams.
- 6#6: Clockify - Unlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, GPS tracking, timesheets, and reporting for teams of any size.
- 7#7: Toggl Track - Simple yet powerful time tracking tool with one-click timer, project tracking, and detailed reporting for remote teams.
- 8#8: Hubstaff - Time tracking software with activity monitoring, GPS location, screenshots, and payroll integration for distributed workforces.
- 9#9: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing app with expense tracking, team timesheets, and budgeting features for freelancers and agencies.
- 10#10: Time Doctor - Employee productivity and time tracking tool with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and attendance alerts.
Tools were ranked based on feature robustness, ease of use, reliability, integration capabilities, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of varied workflows and organizational sizes.
Comparison Table
Explore top time clock system software options, including QuickBooks Time, When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, Connecteam, and more, in this comparison table designed to help businesses identify the best fit for their tracking and management needs. This guide breaks down key features, usability, and integration capabilities to empower informed decisions for scalable operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Time Cloud-based time tracking software with GPS location, mobile clock-in/out, scheduling, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling and time clock app featuring shift trades, GPS time tracking, and payroll integrations for hourly workers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Workforce management platform with time clock kiosk, facial recognition, geofencing, and labor cost forecasting tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Free time clock and scheduling software for small businesses with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication features. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app with time clock, GPS verification, scheduling, and task management for frontline teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Clockify Unlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, GPS tracking, timesheets, and reporting for teams of any size. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 7 | Toggl Track Simple yet powerful time tracking tool with one-click timer, project tracking, and detailed reporting for remote teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | Hubstaff Time tracking software with activity monitoring, GPS location, screenshots, and payroll integration for distributed workforces. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing app with expense tracking, team timesheets, and budgeting features for freelancers and agencies. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Time Doctor Employee productivity and time tracking tool with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and attendance alerts. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based time tracking software with GPS location, mobile clock-in/out, scheduling, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration.
Employee scheduling and time clock app featuring shift trades, GPS time tracking, and payroll integrations for hourly workers.
Workforce management platform with time clock kiosk, facial recognition, geofencing, and labor cost forecasting tools.
Free time clock and scheduling software for small businesses with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication features.
All-in-one employee management app with time clock, GPS verification, scheduling, and task management for frontline teams.
Unlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, GPS tracking, timesheets, and reporting for teams of any size.
Simple yet powerful time tracking tool with one-click timer, project tracking, and detailed reporting for remote teams.
Time tracking software with activity monitoring, GPS location, screenshots, and payroll integration for distributed workforces.
Time tracking and invoicing app with expense tracking, team timesheets, and budgeting features for freelancers and agencies.
Employee productivity and time tracking tool with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and attendance alerts.
QuickBooks Time
enterpriseCloud-based time tracking software with GPS location, mobile clock-in/out, scheduling, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration.
Native, two-way integration with QuickBooks Online/Desktop that auto-syncs timesheets to payroll without manual entry
QuickBooks Time is a comprehensive time clock system software that allows employees to clock in and out using mobile apps, web browsers, kiosks, or desktop with precise GPS tracking and geofencing for accuracy. It offers scheduling, timesheet approvals, project tracking, and robust reporting to streamline workforce management. Seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks accounting software, it automates payroll processing by syncing tracked hours directly. Ideal for businesses needing mobile-friendly time tracking with minimal administrative overhead.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automatic payroll syncing
- Accurate GPS/geofencing and mobile clock-in for remote teams
- Intuitive mobile app and kiosk mode with real-time alerts
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large teams
- Advanced reporting requires Elite plan
- Occasional mobile app sync delays reported
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with field or remote workers using QuickBooks who need reliable GPS-verified time tracking and payroll automation.
Pricing
Solo: Free (1 user); Premium: $20/user/mo (monthly) or $10/user/mo (annual); Elite: $40/user/mo or $20/user/mo; billed per active user with 14-day free trial.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling and time clock app featuring shift trades, GPS time tracking, and payroll integrations for hourly workers.
GPS geofencing and photo verification for clock-ins, ensuring accurate location-based time tracking and fraud prevention
When I Work is a comprehensive workforce management platform that excels as a time clock system, allowing employees to clock in and out via mobile app, web kiosk, or SMS with features like GPS geofencing and photo verification to prevent buddy punching. It integrates time tracking seamlessly with shift scheduling, timesheets, and payroll exports for efficient labor management. Ideal for shift-based industries, it provides real-time visibility into hours worked and overtime alerts.
Pros
- Highly accurate time tracking with GPS geofencing, facial recognition, and PIN options to ensure compliance
- Seamless mobile app for clocking in/out, shift swaps, and timesheet approvals on the go
- Strong integrations with payroll providers like QuickBooks, Gusto, and ADP for streamlined processing
Cons
- Full advanced features like overtime alerts and detailed reporting require higher-tier plans
- Geofencing can be overly restrictive in multi-location setups without customization
- Learning curve for admins new to integrated scheduling and time clock management
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare with hourly shift workers needing integrated scheduling and reliable time clock functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Essential), $3.50/user/month (Pro), and custom Enterprise pricing; free for up to 75 users at one location with basic features.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management platform with time clock kiosk, facial recognition, geofencing, and labor cost forecasting tools.
GPS geofencing on clock-ins to verify employee location and combat time theft
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in time clock systems, enabling employees to clock in and out via a mobile app with GPS geofencing to ensure accuracy and prevent buddy punching. It offers automated timesheets, overtime tracking, and seamless integration with scheduling and payroll tools for streamlined operations. Primarily designed for shift-based industries, it provides real-time visibility into labor costs and compliance features like break tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with GPS geofencing for accurate time tracking
- Automated timesheets and labor costing integration
- Strong compliance tools including break management and payroll exports
Cons
- Advanced features like forecasting locked behind higher plans
- Pricing can add up for small teams with low activity
- Occasional reports of mobile app connectivity issues
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated time clock and scheduling.
Pricing
Essential plan at $3.50/active user/month (billed annually); Plus at $5.25; Enterprise custom; free for up to 5 users.
Homebase
specializedFree time clock and scheduling software for small businesses with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication features.
GPS geofencing paired with selfie verification for secure, location-specific time clocking
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers, offering a robust time clock system with GPS geofencing, selfie verification, and kiosk modes to prevent buddy punching and ensure accurate time tracking. It integrates seamlessly with scheduling, shift reminders, team messaging, and payroll exports for streamlined operations. Ideal for industries like retail, restaurants, and hospitality, it helps managers monitor attendance in real-time while providing employees with a simple mobile app for clocking in and out.
Pros
- Generous free plan for one location with up to 20 employees
- Intuitive mobile app with GPS geofencing and photo verification to combat time theft
- Seamless integration of time tracking with scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind premium plans
- Limited customization options for time clock rules compared to enterprise solutions
- Occasional reports of app glitches during peak usage times
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in hourly industries like restaurants and retail that need affordable, mobile-first time tracking combined with scheduling.
Pricing
Free for one location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.99/mo per location (first 20 employees free); Premium $59.99/mo; Elite $99.99/mo (billed annually).
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app with time clock, GPS verification, scheduling, and task management for frontline teams.
Facial recognition time clock that verifies worker identity to eliminate buddy punching
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform with powerful time clock features tailored for mobile and non-desk workforces. It enables workers to clock in and out via a user-friendly mobile app, using GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition to ensure accurate time tracking and prevent buddy punching. The system integrates time data with scheduling, tasks, and payroll exports for streamlined operations.
Pros
- GPS geofencing and facial recognition for precise, fraud-proof clock-ins
- Seamless mobile app with offline support for field workers
- Strong integration with scheduling and payroll tools
Cons
- Less optimized for office-based or remote desktop-heavy teams
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams beyond 30 users
- Full feature set may overwhelm users seeking only basic time tracking
Best For
Mobile and frontline teams like field services, hospitality, and construction needing integrated time clock with communication and scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, 30 users), $49/month (Operations), $99/month (Expert), with extra users at $0.40-$3/mo each depending on plan.
Clockify
specializedUnlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, GPS tracking, timesheets, and reporting for teams of any size.
Unlimited free time tracking for unlimited users and projects
Clockify is a user-friendly time tracking software that enables effortless time logging via one-click timers, manual entries, or mobile apps for individuals and teams. It excels in project-based time categorization, generating detailed reports, and supporting unlimited users and projects on its free plan. Additional features include invoicing, Pomodoro timers, and integrations with tools like Trello, Asana, and QuickBooks, making it suitable for productivity monitoring and billing.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited users, projects, and tracking
- Intuitive one-click timer and simple interface for quick start
- Strong reporting, exports, and 50+ integrations
Cons
- Advanced reporting and automation require paid upgrades
- No native kiosk or biometric time clock for in-office punching
- Payroll processing relies on third-party integrations
Best For
Freelancers, small remote teams, and agencies needing simple, scalable time tracking without costs.
Pricing
Free unlimited plan; Pro at $3.99/user/month (annual); Enterprise custom.
Toggl Track
specializedSimple yet powerful time tracking tool with one-click timer, project tracking, and detailed reporting for remote teams.
Visual Timeline view offering a graphical, color-coded overview of daily time entries for easy review and editing.
Toggl Track is a user-friendly time tracking software designed for individuals, freelancers, and teams to monitor time spent on tasks and projects via simple timers and manual entries. It provides detailed reports, billable time tracking, and integrations with tools like Asana, Trello, and calendars for seamless workflow. While versatile for productivity and billing, it emphasizes flexible tracking over rigid punch-clock mechanisms typical in traditional time clock systems.
Pros
- Intuitive one-click timer and mobile app for quick tracking
- Powerful customizable reports and export options
- Extensive integrations with 100+ apps including project management tools
Cons
- Limited native support for geofencing or kiosk mode in basic plans
- Advanced payroll and compliance features require Enterprise plan
- Reporting can feel overwhelming for users needing only simple clock-ins
Best For
Freelancers, agencies, and remote teams tracking billable hours across projects without needing heavy HR oversight.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Starter at $9/user/month, Premium at $18/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Hubstaff
specializedTime tracking software with activity monitoring, GPS location, screenshots, and payroll integration for distributed workforces.
Periodic screenshots providing visual proof of work during tracked time
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring platform designed for remote and distributed teams, offering clock-in/out via desktop, mobile, and web apps with GPS geofencing for location-based verification. It tracks time, productivity through keyboard/mouse activity levels, and captures optional screenshots as proof of work, while integrating with payroll, invoicing, and project management tools. Comprehensive reporting helps managers oversee hours, projects, and efficiency without micromanaging.
Pros
- Precise GPS and geofencing for accurate clock-ins
- Activity tracking with screenshots for productivity insights
- Seamless integrations with payroll and PM tools
Cons
- Privacy concerns from screenshots and monitoring
- Per-user pricing scales expensively for large teams
- Initial setup and customization can be complex
Best For
Remote teams and agencies needing detailed time tracking with visual proof of work and productivity monitoring.
Pricing
Free for solo users; paid plans from $7/user/month (billed annually) for Starter, up to $12/user/month for Elite.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing app with expense tracking, team timesheets, and budgeting features for freelancers and agencies.
Seamless one-click invoice generation from tracked time entries
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking platform designed for teams and freelancers to log hours via a simple start/stop timer across web, desktop, and mobile apps. It generates detailed timesheets, reports, and invoices directly from time entries, with support for projects, tasks, and budgeting. While versatile for billable work, it functions as a time clock system by enabling easy clock-in/out and team oversight through approvals and dashboards.
Pros
- Intuitive timer interface for quick clock-in/out
- Robust mobile app with offline support
- Integrated invoicing and expense tracking from time data
Cons
- No geofencing, biometrics, or kiosk mode for strict clocking
- Per-user pricing scales expensively for large teams
- Limited native payroll integrations compared to dedicated systems
Best For
Small agencies and consultancies tracking billable hours with built-in invoicing needs.
Pricing
Free Solo plan for 1 user/2 projects; Pro at $12/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Time Doctor
specializedEmployee productivity and time tracking tool with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and attendance alerts.
Screenshot capture with optional blurring for proof-of-work verification
Time Doctor is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring software that functions as a time clock system by allowing users to clock in/out via desktop, web, or mobile apps, while capturing screenshots, tracking app/website usage, and monitoring keyboard/mouse activity. It generates detailed productivity reports, timesheets, and payroll-ready exports to help managers oversee remote or distributed teams. Beyond basic clocking, it emphasizes accountability with features like optional GPS location tracking for field workers.
Pros
- Comprehensive monitoring with screenshots and activity levels for verifying work
- Strong reporting and integrations with payroll tools like QuickBooks
- Offline time tracking with automatic sync
Cons
- Invasive features like screenshots can raise privacy concerns and lower morale
- Desktop app required for full functionality, limiting pure mobile use
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced features needed by larger teams
Best For
Remote team managers needing detailed productivity insights alongside reliable time clocking for accountability.
Pricing
Basic plan at $7/user/month (billed annually), Standard at $9.99/user/month, Premium at $19.99/user/month; free for solo users.
Conclusion
Through comprehensive evaluation, the top tools excel in distinct areas, with QuickBooks Time emerging as the standout choice, boasting seamless cloud integration and payroll connectivity. When I Work and Deputy closely follow, offering strong scheduling and workforce management features that cater to varied operational needs, ensuring users of all types find a reliable option. Collectively, these platforms showcase the best in efficient time tracking and management, setting new standards for organizational workflow.
Don’t wait—dive into QuickBooks Time to unlock its powerful, integrated capabilities and transform how your team tracks time and stays productive.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison